TOURETTES campaigner John Davidson said he was mortified after sparking a race row by shouting out the N-word at the Baftas.
John later voluntarily left the ceremony amid shock at his swearing as Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan were on stage presenting an award.
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The incident happened at the 79th annual British Academy Film Awards, which took place at the Royal Festival Hall on Sunday nightCredit: BBC/UNPIXSJohn Davidson said he was ‘deeply mortified’Credit: BBC/UNPIXSThe campaigner made the decision to leave the awards half way through after several involuntary ticsCredit: Getty
In statement the organisation said: “Early in the ceremony a loud tic in the form of a profoundly offensive term was heard by many people.
“Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage at the time, and we apologise unreservedly to them, and to all those impacted.
“We would like to thank Michael and Delroy for their incredible dignity and professionalism.
“John chose to leave the auditorium and watch the rest of the ceremony from a screen and we would like to thank him for his consideration of others on what should have been a night of celebration for him.”
I Swear saw Robert Aramayo, 33, pick up Best Actor. It also won Best Casting.
Scottish-born John, 54, is a campaigner for Tourette sufferers and aged 16 was the subject of a BBC documentary, John’s Not Mad, about living with the condition, which leads some to shout swear words.
The Sun understands that Sunday night’s audience was not told a person with Tourette Syndrome was present.
Previously, at the Bafta TV awards, people have been warned in similar situations.
A source said: “Neither host Alan Cumming nor any of the Bafta team warned people — the apology and comments came after the outbursts.”
Cumming had said: “Tourette Syndrome is a disability. We apologise if you’re offended tonight.”
Hannah Beachler, the production designer on movie Sinners, said: “What made the situation worse was the throwaway apology of, ‘if you were offended’. Of course we were.”
It was reported BBC production staff did not hear the N-word — which meant it was left in the coverage.
However, a source added: “It was as loud and as clear as day.”
The corporation said: “Some may have heard strong and offensive language.
“This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette’s and, as explained during the ceremony, it was not intentional.
“We apologise that this was not edited out prior to broadcast.”
Campaigner John is the inspiration behind the movie I SwearCredit: Shutterstock EditorialRobert Aramayo posed up with his two BAFTAs – Best Actor and Rising Star after his performance in I SwearThe pair backstage during the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2026Credit: Getty
The reality of living with Tourette syndrome
TOURETTE syndrome is a condition that causes a person to make involuntary sounds and movements called tics.
It usually starts during childhood, but the tics and other symptoms often improve after several years, and sometimes go away completely.
There’s no cure for Tourettes, but treatment can help manage symptoms.
The most common physical tics include:
Blinking
Eye rolling
Grimacing
Shoulder shrugging
Jerking of the head or limbs
Jumping
Twirling
Touching objects and other people
Examples of vocal tics include:
Grunting
Throat clearing
Whistling
Coughing
Tongue clicking
Animal sounds
Saying random words and phrases
Repeating a sound, word or phrase
Swearing
Swearing is rare and only affects about 1 in 10 people with Tourettes.
Some people can control their tics for a short time in certain social situations, like in a classroom.
But this can be tiring, and someone may have a sudden release of tics when they return home.
Aidy Smith, who was diagnosed with Tourettes aged nine, said these are the most common misconceptions about the condition:
It is a ‘swearing disease’ characterised by repeated bad language
People with Tourette’s can’t succeed in the workplace
It’s impossible to control your tics
‘Tourettes’ is a ‘dirty’ word
It’s OK to make jokes about the condition because it isn’t serious
Kylie Jenner did not look very impressed with one of Alan Cumming’s jokes at the BAFTA Film Awards, at which her boyfriend Timothee Chalamet lost out on the Best Actor award
Kylie Jenner left grimacing as BAFTAs host Alan Cumming makes filthy joke(Image: BAFTA via Getty Images)
Kylie Jenner was left squirming at a joke Alan Cumming made about her at the BAFTAs. The reality TV star did not look impressed with the awards’ host’s X-rated gag.
During the ceremony, Alan walked through the audience, offering them snacks. When he stopped by the seats that Kylie and her boyfriend Timothee Chalamet were sitting in, he asked the star: “Kylie, have you ever had your gums around a giant Jammie Dodger?”
Kylie shook her head and took the snack, looking visibly uncomfortable as she did so. She did not appear to be impressed by the double entendre, which earned only a few laughs from audience members.
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Viewers at home also seemed to be unamused by Alan’s jokes. One wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Alan Cummings’ jokes falling flat.” Another added: “Not funny. Not a good presenter. It’s just painful to watch and hear.”
“There is absolutely nothing funny about Alan Cumming? This whole opening monologue is toe-curlingly awkward,” a third fan said. A fourth added: “Alan Cumming is making me cringe already.” While a fifth said: “Will someone purleeze get Alan Cumming off the stage.”
The 60-year-old actor, writer and presenter – known for hosting the US version of The Traitors and starring in American drama The Good Wife – hosted the event at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London for the first time on Sunday.
Others said it was likely not Alan’s fault but that of the scriptwriters. “I’ve got a funny feeling Alan Cumming might have been lumbered with the same scriptwriter David Tennant had when he hosted- oh dear,” said one.
Though no more jokes were made about Kylie, the night did not improve for her boyfriend, as Timothee lost out on the Best Actor award. He had been nominated for his role as the titular character in Marty Supreme, but the award ended up going to Robert Aramayo, who won for his role as John Davidson in I Swear.
Robert also won the Rising Star award for the same role. That award is the only one voted for by the public, and by winning both that and Best Actor, Robert was the only actor of the night to win more than one award.
The other acting awards went to Jessie Buckley, who won Best Actress, Wunmi Mosaku, who won Best Supporting Actress, and Sean Penn, who won Best Supporting Actor but was not present to take home his award.
Though Kylie attended the awards, she was not seen on the red carpet and instead snuck in separately. The Kardashians star, 28, has been in a relationship with the actor, 30, since 2023. The couple have made a series of appearances during this year’s award season, including the Golden Globe Awards and the Critics’ Choice Awards.
It is believed Kylie often skips red carpets to avoid stealing her partner’s spotlight and also to keep their relationship private, opting instead to support him from the audience or enter through alternative, quieter, or back entrances. Last year, a source told Grazia Daily that another reason why the pair avoid walking the red carpet together could be that they want to keep their work and their personal relationship separate.
The popular beauty spot with Victorian-era bathing area was left damaged after huge waves battered the area.
It’s a beautiful spot, but the surrounding steps and sunbathing area have eroded away after relentless storms(Image: Katie Oborn )
Swimmers in Plymouth have been warned to stay out of the water at one of Britain’s most beloved beauty spots in the self-proclaimed Ocean City — a caution that follows the battering the south west endured from Storm Ingrid in January 2026. The Victorian-era steps at Plymouth Hoe’s Tinside Beach were left severely damaged by towering waves in January, though the outdoor Tinside Lido, which underwent renovation last year, has escaped unscathed.
Local year-round swimmers, however, are now speaking out, arguing that the destruction has laid bare “what an eyesore” the small beach and its surroundings have become — and they’re calling on authorities to invest in restoring Tinside Beach as a “fabulous asset” for Plymouth once more.
A visit to the much-loved spot on Saturday, February 14, uncovered “no swimming ” signs installed by Plymouth City Council, alerting visitors to “sharp spikes and debris” as well as “dangerous and uneven surfaces”.
The beach has long been a cherished gathering place for locals who brave the elements throughout the year, with many citing its significant contribution to their mental wellbeing alongside the wider benefits of wild swimming.
Yet in the wake of the storms that obliterated the concrete steps and several railings, swimmers have reported that getting into the water “safely” has become incredibly difficult. Numerous locals have also expressed worries that, even before the storm wreaked havoc, the vicinity had already become “rundown”, despite still attracting holidaymakers throughout the summer season, , reports the Express.
Melanie Green shared with me: “There’s a lot of all-year-round swimmers that know what should be used to do a ‘quality’ job with regards to repairs now needed.
“Plymouth City Council, please have a meeting with us all and make the Hoe steps and seafront look great again. This is where tourists come to visit. Invest in it.”
The dawn swimmers at Tinside Beach form a friendly community. Chuckles, cheerful banter and even homemade cakes are exchanged amongst the group whenever birthdays or milestone moments occur.
However, the Victorian-era steps at Tinside are in “desperate need of repair”, making it difficult to congregate – and one habitual swimmer observed that regular maintenance “would save money in the long run”.
The council has confirmed it “cares about the Hoe and foreshore” and is “sad to see the damage the recent storms have caused.”
A Plymouth City Council spokesperson further explained that “our surveyors and contractors are reviewing repair options for the Tinside steps and we will look to mobilise repairs as soon as practically possible”.
Last summer witnessed the reopening of the restored outdoor Tinside Lido beside Tinside Beach. The redevelopment was funded through the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Youth Investment Fund, Levelling Up Fund, and Plymouth City Council.
With this in mind, local swimmer Rena Truscott remarked: “I wish the council would have a complete rehaul and properly fix the waterfront, starting with Tinside (beach and steps).
“I feel investment is desperately needed now, not just to make the best of a fabulous asset for Plymouth but to ensure it remains safe and an ongoing legacy for the benefit of all.
“The Tinside Lido (renovation completed in 2025) now looks amazing and I’m sure it draws attention and hopefully tourists and revenue back to the Hoe. However, this now highlights what an eyesore the surrounding area is. Despite this, it remains popular all year round.”
Debra Romagnuolo voiced similar worries, stating: “Tinside steps are in desperate need of repair. Not just a quick fix. It needs good quality workmanship, not something that literally lasts a few weeks like the railings. It is in a sorry state.”
During my visit, chunks of concrete from the storm damage were visible strewn across the shoreline and seabed near the steps.
Warning notices have been put up advising people not to enter the water in this location, as large concrete blocks remain underwater and, depending on the tide, may not always be easily spotted.
A Plymouth City Council spokesperson commented: “We care about the Hoe and foreshore and are sad to see the damage the recent storms have caused, not just here in Plymouth but in so many other coastal villages, towns and cities.
“We are very much at the mercy of the elements but work hard to direct as much resource as possible towards protecting and reinforcing our historic waterfront so it can continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.
“Recent and ongoing works include repairs to West Hoe Pier and the Admirals Hard slipway, as well as the steps into the water at Commercial Wharf.”
Plymouth City Council added in their statement: “Our surveyors and contractors are reviewing repair options for the Tinside steps and we will look to mobilise repairs as soon as practically possible, once the weather is more in our favour.
“We are also working with marine and foreshore technical advisors and contractors on condition surveys of the wider foreshore. The findings from these surveys will be used to produce an action plan of monitoring, further investigations and prioritised repair works, for which we can then seek funding.
“Refurbishment works at Tinside Lido last year transformed underused areas of the Grade II-listed Art Deco building, safeguarding it for future generations whilst creating new opportunities for people to connect with Plymouth Sound.
“Its careful preservation and transformation will ensure Tinside continues to be a much-loved feature of Plymouth’s waterfront whilst supporting the health, wellbeing and aspirations of young people in Britain’s Ocean City.”
RUTH LANGSFORD has said her split from husband Eamonn Holmes was a “huge shock” and left her “devastated”.
The much-loved telly couple announced their separation in May 2024 after 14 years of marriage and 27 years of being together.
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Ruth Langsford has opened up about her split from Eamonn HolmesCredit: Rex
Opening up about the split, she told Daily Mail: “I had a very happy marriage. Of course you question yourself, ‘did I miss something, was I not aware, was I too busy?’ But there’s no point playing the blame game.
“I just didn’t think I’d find myself here, and I wasn’t strong at the start. I was broken. Broken heart. Broken dreams. We all have an image of how we think our life and future is going to be.
“This wasn’t mine. I was devastated. We had gone from being a couple, traversing the usual ups and downs of a marriage, to an abrupt end. It was a huge shock.”
How do you comfort a man who has just watched years of his life turn to smoke?
Sulaiman Mustapha remained seated inside the mosque after the dawn prayer, long after others had left. He put both hands on his head as if trying to hold his brain in place. He could not speak. No wailing. No outburst. Just the stillness of a man whose world had collapsed overnight. Those around him tried to console him, but the words sounded distant, almost irrelevant.
Less than a month ago, Sulaiman bought a new motorcycle to make his trips to Singa Market in Kano, North West Nigeria, easier. For him, it was not just a bike. It was a milestone. For years, he had gone to the market with his brother as a worker, running errands for established traders. With time, he began handling purchases. Then he began trading in small quantities for himself. The profits were modest but steady.
The motorcycle symbolised a shift. It meant he would no longer spend heavily on transport. It meant more capital for his small shop. It meant growth. Then, in a matter of hours, fire erased that growth. Now it was metal frames and ash.
Hundreds of motorcycles, like the one Sulaiman bought recently, were burnt to ashes in the Singa Market fire. Photo: Aliyu Dahiru/HumAngle
On Saturday, Feb. 15, around 4 p.m., a fire broke out at Gidan Glass, a plaza at Singa Market. Witnesses say the fire spread quickly, leaping from shop to shop before traders could salvage much. It burned for two days. By the time it was contained, dozens of shops had been reduced to charred frames.
Sulaiman and his brother’s shop was among them.
When he sat in the mosque that morning, he was mourning years of hard work — the savings, the small profits he reinvested, and his mother’s inheritance. “After his grandfather died, the inheritance was shared,” his close friend, Abba Abubakar, told HumAngle. “His mother gave him her portion to grow the business.”
Now, everything is gone.
The fire that tore through Singa Market is the latest in a long line of infernos that have become almost routine in Kano markets. Within 48 hours, early estimates placed losses in billions of naira. But beyond the figures lies a deeper story: how recurring fires, weak emergency infrastructure, and structural neglect continue to threaten the livelihoods of thousands of small-scale traders who form the backbone of the city’s informal economy.
Sulaiman’s story is that of hundreds of traders whose stalls were destroyed. In markets like Singa, capital is built slowly from daily turnover and rarely backed by insurance. Many traders rely on family contributions, cooperative loans, or personal savings. A single disruption can undo a decade of effort.
For small-scale traders, the market is their safety net. It funds school fees, hospital bills, rent, and other family obligations. When the market burns, the consequences ripple far beyond the charred stalls.
By Monday afternoon, some traders had returned to sift through ashes, hoping to salvage metal frames or partially burned goods. Others simply stood in clusters, calculating debts they still owed suppliers.
There are still unanswered questions about what triggered the fire and whether preventive measures were in place. For now, what remains visible is the human toll.
The full extent of the damage and how traders will rebuild is still unfolding.
But how did it start?
Gidan Glass after the second day of the fire. Photo: Aliyu Dahiru/HumAngle.
Between sparks and sorrow
Around 3 p.m. that Saturday, Abba Abubakar noticed thick black smoke rising into the sky. The sight unsettled him immediately. Some weeks earlier, he had seen a similar column of smoke before a fire gutted Gidan Mazaf at the same Singa Market.
“But this one was very close,” he told HumAngle.
Abba is not a trader at Singa. He sells wrappers and garments at Abubakar Rimi Market, popularly known as Sabon Gari, just across the road. His fear was instinctive. Fires are not unfamiliar in that commercial district. When smoke appears, traders do not wait for confirmation. They imagine the worst.
“We rushed out of our shops and later realised it was solar panels burning on top of Gidan Glass,” he said. “By the time we got there, it had already consumed part of the upper floor, and the fire was raging.”
From another part of the neighbourhood, Muttaka Musa, who works in one of the affected stores, also saw the smoke. He had been at a nearby plaza known as Gidan Gwaggo Laraba when he looked up and saw the sky darken.
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“Immediately I got there, the fire had already finished one of our stores and had started catching the other,” he said. Muttaka said people had been warned when the fire first broke out. But warnings in markets often compete with denial. No one expected the flames would escalate to that scale.
Muttaka Musa said people had been warned when the fire first broke out. Photo: Aliyu Dahiru /HumAngle.
Auwal Ibrahim Gaya lost two shops in the blaze. He was performing the afternoon Asr prayer when he received the call. “When they told me the fire had started, I was at the mosque,” he said. “I rushed there, and when I saw it, I began reciting prayers. I said Allah is testing us, and we accept His decree.”
Faith, in moments like this, becomes both refuge and resignation.
As the fire intensified and traders failed to contain it, emergency services were called. But by then, the scene had drawn large crowds. Onlookers filled the narrow access roads, making it difficult for fire trucks to reach the core of the market.
One firefighter, who asked not to be named because he was not authorised to speak to the press, told HumAngle that “almost all the fire service trucks we have in Kano were mobilised. But the fire kept spreading from the top. It was moving across the upper structures, so it was difficult to control. If there had been a helicopter, it could have quenched it from above.”
An investigation by HumAngle found that the Nigerian Federal Fire Service does not currently operate firefighting helicopters. Announcements about acquiring one circulated between 2021 and 2024, but the purchase never materialised. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), which previously had access to such support, is also reported to have non-functional aerial equipment.
As a result, even with the presence of the Federal Fire Service, NEMA officials, the Kano State Emergency Agency, and the state governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, at the scene, the fire burned for two days before it was finally largely subdued.
Scavengers looking for the damaged goods after the fire. Photo: Aliyu Dahiru/HumAngle
What causes market fires in Kano?
Market fires are not new in Kano. Almost every year, a section of the city’s commercial heart goes up in flames. Sometimes it is a cluster of stalls. Sometimes an entire block. The pattern has become disturbingly familiar. Traders rebuild. Business resumes. Then another fire breaks out.
In the two months of 2026 alone, at least five fire incidents have been recorded within the Kano metropolis. Four occurred in markets: Kofar Ruwa yan Katako, Gidan Mazaf Singa, Gidan Glass Singa, and near Abbatuwa cemetery. One affected a filling station along Madobi Road. For a city whose economy leans heavily on trade, these events are structural tremors.
A 2021 study by Sulaiman Yunus, an urban risk and disaster management researcher at Bayero University, Kano, documented 366 fire incidents between 1974 and 2017. On average, that translates to at least eight outbreaks annually in markets alone. The data suggests a chronic vulnerability embedded within Kano’s commercial architecture.
But what explains this cycle? Why do the fires persist, despite decades of losses?
Sulaiman found that outbreaks are most frequent in highly concentrated, densely built, older commercial hubs. Large central markets such as Kantin Kwari Market, Kasuwar Kurmi, and Sabon Gari Market were identified as particularly vulnerable.
These markets evolved long before modern urban planning standards. Stalls are packed tightly together. Extensions are added informally. Electrical wiring snakes across wooden beams and zinc roofs. Access routes are narrow, often clogged with traders, buyers, and transporters. When fire breaks out, it meets fuel.
The study notes that most affected markets lack functional fire hydrants and emergency suppression facilities. In many cases, traders rely on buckets of water or improvised extinguishers in the crucial first minutes. By the time fire trucks arrive, flames have often climbed to rooftops and leapt across adjoining structures.
Temporal analysis in Sulaiman’s study shows a clear seasonal pattern. Fire outbreaks peak during the dry season, particularly between November and March. The Harmattan months record the highest incidence rate because the air is drier and the winds harsher. Materials that might otherwise resist ignition become combustible.
Yet climate alone does not ignite markets.
The research found that electrical faults and power surges account for the majority of recorded incidents. Illegal connections and overloaded circuits were identified as primary ignition sources. In markets where dozens of traders tap into a single supply line to power freezers, grinding machines, bulbs, and charging points, the system is often stretched beyond capacity. Electricity, meant to enable commerce, becomes the spark that destroys it.
The Singa Market fire fits within this broader history. Its scale may be exceptional, but its underlying conditions are not. The questions raised in its aftermath echo those of previous disasters: Were safety standards enforced? Were electrical systems inspected? Were access routes kept clear?
For now, attention has shifted to relief. The Federal Government has approved a ₦5 billion intervention fund for traders, while the Progressive Governors’ Forum also donated ₦3 billion, signalling recognition of the magnitude of the loss. But compensation, even when fully disbursed, rarely mirrors destruction. For small-scale traders, relief funds often dissipate before reaching the lowest tiers. Many operate without formal registration, insurance, or documented inventories. Their losses exist in memory, not in audited balance sheets. A bag of rice here. Ten kegs of oil there. A motorcycle bought less than a month ago.
Billions of naira in pledges may soften the blow at a macro level. Yet, for the petty trader who relied on daily turnover to survive, recovery is measured not in billions but in whether he can reopen with even a fraction of his former stock.
In Kano’s markets, fire is no longer an anomaly but a recurring chapter in the city’s commercial story. Each outbreak exposes the same structural weaknesses. Each investigation repeats familiar findings.
And each time, traders return to rebuild in the same crowded corridors, under the same fragile wiring, hoping that this season’s wind will be kinder than the last
Weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy.
Russia is developing a new balloon-borne system that could provide battlefield access to high-speed data communications at a time when its forces are desperate to keep connected. The testing of the Barrage-1 balloon comes as Ukrainian troops are taking advantage of Russia’s loss of access to the SpaceX Starlink satellite constellation network. Both sides have become dependent on the SpaceX system for daily wartime operations, but the restrictions on Russia’s use of Starlink are allowing Kyiv’s forces to fend off attacks in some areas while advancing in others. You can read more about Russia’s Starlink troubles in our initial story here.
As we previously noted, the introduction of Starlink to the battlefield in Ukraine revolutionized how war is waged, giving users high bandwidth, relatively secure communications basically anywhere, all in a small, off-the-shelf package. Though Elon Musk’s SpaceX company provided them to Ukraine, Russians soon came to rely on them as well. However, earlier this month, the company created a list of verified users, cutting Russia off from the system and throwing its troops into disarray. We will talk more about that later in this story.
#Russia 🇷🇺🛰 War challenges create new demands – Barrage 1 Is Barrage 1 a counterpart to Starlink? Essentially yes, but the concept is a bit different. The project is being developed jointly by Aerodrommash and MSTU-Moscow State Technical University. Concept: An autonomous… pic.twitter.com/yZP7jmRk65
The Barrage-1 balloon recently underwent its first test flight, according to Russia’s Foundation for Advanced Studies (FFAS), which is developing the system. It “is designed to carry up to 100 kilograms (about 220 pounds) of payload at an altitude of up to 20 kilometers (about 12 miles),” FFAS recently announced on Telegram. One of the payloads being considered is “a promising 5G NTN terrestrial communication equipment, the testing of which is planned for the near future,” the organization claimed.
While not reaching anywhere near the low earth orbit (LEO) altitudes as the Starlink constellation – between 341 miles to 298 miles – Barrage-1 could still serve as an alternative access point for high-speed data transfer for troops on ground below.
Regardless of FFAS intentions, however, even if it is perfected, the Barrage-1 system will not provide the same level of coverage as Starlink, which is made up of thousands of laser datalink-connected satellites covering the globe. In contrast, Barrage-1 will be guided by “a pneumatic ballast system, which allows changing the flight altitude to utilize wind currents and move in the desired direction.”
“Due to this, the platform can maneuver and stay in a specified area or move along the trajectory required for the payload,” FFAS claimed, despite being in the very earliest stages of testing.
Russia has launched an aerostat with a 5G communication platform, designed to remain in the stratosphere at an altitude of 20–30 km. The “Barrage-1” can apparently adjust its altitude using a pneumatic ballast system, enabling it to use different winds to maintain its position. 1 https://t.co/MCFKyTIskvpic.twitter.com/MzQIKnvNWg
You can read all about how high-altitude balloons can stay on station even in the presence of prevailing winds in this past story of ours.
Even though it wouldn’t be a direct match to Starlink, at 12 miles high, it could provide wide-area connectivity similar to that offered by Starlink, albeit over a much more limited area. A mini ‘constellation’ of these systems spread over a region and mesh-networked together, could help solve the line of sight limitations of a single balloon.
Ukrainian Defense Ministry (MoD) advisor on defense technology and drone and electronic warfare (EW) expert Serhiy “Flash” Beskrestnov sees potential in this system.
“The platform is seen as an accessible and efficient alternative to expensive satellite constellations in LEO,” Beskrestnov explained on Telegram. “One of the priority tasks for ‘Barrage’ will be to test 5G NTN communication. Placing transmitters at an altitude of 20 km will allow providing high-speed internet and communication to vast territories where the construction of ground towers is impossible.”
“In theory and in practice, by controlling the altitude of an aerostat, it can be steered, not precisely, but enough to stay over any territory,” he added.
However, the Barrage-1’s comparatively low altitudes could make them targets for Ukrainian air defense systems and other countermeasures.
“And what’s most important for us? To have the means that can detect such objects over our territory,” Beskrestnov suggested. “And to have the ability to shoot down such targets if they pose a threat. As far as I remember, the S-300 [surface to air missile system] can engage targets at an altitude of 20-30 km (about 12 to 19 miles).”
Still, successfully targeting and engaging a balloon with a small radar signature using SAMs are two different things. Russia worked on this exact problem extensively during the Cold War, which you can read about here.
A Ukrainian S-300 surface-to-air missile system. (Ukraine Defense Ministry)
The balloons could also fall victim to other forms of attack. It isn’t hard to imagine Ukraine producing a drone to specifically hunt for these systems at longer ranges. Their emissions would make them hard to hide. Also, the electronic warfare aspect is worth noting for the same reasons.
The concept of using balloons as communications nodes is far from new. It has been around for many years. The U.S. military continues to eye using balloons to lug communications relays and gateways aloft as well. As we previously noted, the U.S. once even considered sending balloons over Cuba with equipment that would allow citizens to have access after the government cut it off. For homeland applications, high altitude balloons have been eyed to replace cellular towers, especially after natural disasters have wiped-out ground-based communications.
Concept art from a Raven Aerostar promotional video demonstrating how only a few balloons can establish a wide-area communications network. (Raven Aerostar via YouTube)
The SpaceX restrictions have impacted everything from Russia’s high-level command and control, to basic communications and data exchange between troops across the entire battlespace. It has also affected Russia’s drone warfare, including interfering with long-range aerial weapons and uncrewed ground vehicles (UGV). The Kyiv Post article claims that some Russian UGVs have relied on Starlink to operate.
“The loss of Starlink has now forced Russian military logistics troops to return to the use of manned trucks, cars, motorcycles or quad-cycle vehicles,” noted Mick Ryan, a retired Australian major general now serving as a military analyst. “These have proven to be more vulnerable to drone strikes.”
“Eventually shock wears off, responses are developed & counterpunches delivered. This will be the case with the Starlink shutdown. Ukraine will have limited time to exploit the opportunities of the degraded C2 environment now endured by Russian ground forces.”… pic.twitter.com/zytWvgdtFw
Losing Starlink has slowed down Russian offensive actions and increased their casualties while opening up opportunities for Ukraine to advance, Ukrainian military officials have claimed.
“For three to four days after the shutdown, they really reduced the assault operations,” Lt. Denis Yaroslavsky, who commands a special reconnaissance unit for the Ukraine Armed Forces, told the New York Post.
“The disruption comes as Russia suffers its worst death rate since the start of the four-year-old war,” U.S. and Ukrainian intelligence officials told the publication.
Russian sources concurred that restrictions on Starlink use are having major negative effects on the frontlines.
“As a result” of the SpaceX action, “instead of a planned strike against the enemy, where their (meaning ours) communications are instantly cut off while theirs remains operational, we have a hellish mess,” Andrey Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Moscow City Duma and Deputy Director General for Radio Broadcasting of the VGTRK television and radio company, stated on Telegram.
Compounding problems created for Russia by the restrictions on Starlink, the launch of its own satellite constellation system has reportedly been delayed by about a year.
“The Russian aerospace company Bureau 1440 announced the postponement of its initial deployment of 16 high-speed internet satellites,” the SatNews media outlet recently reported. “Originally scheduled for late 2025, the launch of the first batch for the ‘Rassvet’ (Dawn) Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation has been rescheduled for 2026.”
Seen as a domestic alternative to Starlink, the program has been plagued by manufacturing shortfalls.
“While Roscosmos Chief Dmitry Bakanov stated in September 2025 that deployment of the first 300 satellites would begin by the end of that year, industry sources now indicate that the production line has failed to meet the necessary volume,” SatNews noted. “Despite the delay, Deputy Minister of Digital Development Dmitry Ugnivenko had claimed as recently as December 2025 that all 16 initial satellites were complete. Bureau 1440 currently has only six experimental satellites in orbit, launched during the Rassvet-1 and Rassvet-2 missions to test laser inter-satellite links and 5G signal compatibility.”
Even if it is launched, the Rassvet satellite constellation, which will take years to become operational, is very unlikely to have the same capabilities as Starlink.
17/ “This is the Rassvet project from Bureau 1440. According to the announced plans, the launch of the first 16 low-orbit broadband internet satellites was supposed to take place in 2025 , but this never happened. pic.twitter.com/Ro2iWyAEtd
Amid all these issues, Russia is struggling to find more immediate ways to overcome the Starlink restrictions.
“There are no alternatives [to Starlink] right now – at least not at the level of today,” the Russian Colonelcassad Telegram channel explained. It added that Russia is looking for workarounds, but nothing appears to be imminent.
The Russian Gazprom Space Systems satellite array is not a viable alternative at the moment, Colonelcassad rightfully noted.
“There is Gazprom’s dish, it works, but, to put it mildly, it lags behind in connection speed and needs development or refinement,” he stated. “Of course, it is technically possible to provide high-speed internet in the fields by other methods, which many are currently working on.”
The long-term effect of the SpaceX decision on Starlink remains to be seen. This war has shown that both sides advance quickly when it comes to battlefield technology and Russia will have to find some kind of a workaround. However, for Moscow, the timing of the Starlink restrictions is not good, considering that the latest round of peace talks are currently underway in Switzerland. Russian President Vladimir Putin is sticking to his stance that Ukraine turn over territory in the eastern part of the country it still holds, something Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told Axios that the public won’t allow. Losing ground on the battlefield takes away an important bargaining chip for Russia.
KATIE Price’s new husband Lee Andrews has teased a new reality show with his bride in a bizarre AI video.
The newlyweds – who tied the knot last month after just a week of talking online – are going at lightning speed through their relationship.
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Katie’s new husband has teased a reality show in the pair’s futureCredit: wesleeandrews/instagramThe pair met online just a week before Lee proposedCredit: wesleeandrews/InstagramKatie and Lee’s relationship has been a whirlwind in the space of just a monthCredit: wesleeandrews/InstagramThe strange video saw them zooming through the world togetherCredit: wesleeandrews/instagram
And now a new post on Instagram suggests Lee is looking to put things in front of a camera.
In the story titled: “Coming soon: Kate and Lee”, an artificial version of the pair are seen looking loved-up as they zoom through having dinner, and seeing the world landmarks including Rome’s colosseum and Christ the Redeemer.
A source close to the series told The Sun: “The whole focus of the documentary is meant to be this redemption arc forKatieshowing a more serious, thoughtful side to themum-of-fivethat people rarely see in her tabloid antics.
“So this latest turn in her life isn’t the kind of publicity they wanted.
“They feel like this out-of-the-blue marriage has thrown a real spanner in the works and totally changes the tone of the show, making the footage they have shot feel really out of date.
“A lot of it was filmed while she was still with JJ and she talked on camera about how much more settled she was with him.
“That all sounds a bit daft in light of what’s transpired recently.”
The insider continued: “She’s also meant to still be filming some new footage, but she’s flown off to Dubai again to be with Lee so it’s all very up in the air.
“It will take a lot of re-editing and they need to shoot some new footage if it will make it on the air for the planned April airdate.”
Katie is currently still in Dubai with Lee – where he lives full time – enjoying a honeymoon together.
Despite not even knowing each other at the beginning of this year, Lee has already shared a tattoo he has of Katie’s name and their wedding day.
The couple met online and got engaged, with Katie walking down the aisle for the fourth time in a secret ceremony when she flew out to meet him.
Katie Price is currently in Dubai enjoying a honeymoon period with her new husbandCredit: wesleeandrews/InstagramLee dropped a hint he wanted a child with Katie – showing a cartoon of a man kissing a baby bellyCredit: wesleeandrews/InstagramLee already has a tattoo of Katie’s name on her handCredit: wesleeandrews/Instagram
At the time she was told that she had a less than 1% chance of being able to conceive, but decided to try anyway.
Katie later split from Carl and started dating Married at First Sight star JJ Slater.
They split just weeks before she flew to Dubai to marry Lee.
The video saw fictional versions of the pair on romantic outingsCredit: wesleeandrews/instagramKatie Price reunited with husband Lee Andrews in DubaiCredit: wesleeandrews/InstagramKatie has made no secret of wanting another childCredit: GettyThe loved-up pair have angered a TV production company – who has filmed a series with Katie set to show her ‘serious side’Credit: wesleeandrews/Instagram
The third instalment sees the return of several main cast members, including Fola Evans-Akingbola as Secret Service agent Chelsea Arrington and Amanda Warren as Catherine Weaver, Peter’s handler in Night Action. The new season also introduces Genesis Rodriguez as journalist Isabel and Stephen Moyer as an assassin known as The Father.
Netflix released a trailer in January which showed Peter seeking Isabel’s assistance in discovering who orchestrated the devastating events. Whilst grappling with his own internal struggles, he must contend with threats from ‘broker’ Jacob Monroe (Louis Herthum) as well as the enigmatic new assassin.
Whilst many fans were thrilled about the show’s return, a significant number have expressed concerns due to the absence of one key character. Luciane Buchanan, who played Rose Larkin, confirmed she would not be reprising her role following the show’s second season.
In the critically lauded season two finale, her character declared she was prepared to step back from her romantic entanglement with Peter, seeking the opportunity to embrace an ordinary existence free from danger. Viewers noticed her conspicuous absence from the season three trailer, prompting an outpouring of reactions in the comments section.
@BatrinaCoarPearsall expressed: “Peter and Rose’s trauma-bond is what makes this show so good.” @sherlina observed: “I feel like Rose and Peter’s bond and story were one of the main things setting this show different from other spy thrillers but now it seems like just any other spy themed shows with action but not really a story to tell.”
@tiu_forever6521 remarked: “Kinda looks like any other spy thriller without the Rose/Peter heart of it all at the core. Damn.” @ZayDaGoat1806 noted: “Without Rose it doesn’t feel the same people saying they couldn’t do her justice in this season but she’s more useful than a reporter.”
@MissFawlty lamented: “Miss Rose already! She was the show’s emotional core. Hope they bring her back big time if the show is renewed for season 4.” @Burner-g4e concluded: “What worked in season 1 was Peter’s personal motivations and determination and the relationship with Rose. Without that, this is just like every other action series. From this trailer, I feel like I’ve seen this a million times before. They’ve strayed so far from what made the show a success.”
However, fans are buzzing with anticipation for the show’s return, with @heptavian expressing: “Finally my favourite Netflix agents are back!” and @yoshikigrg8 chiming in: “Yes. I’m so glad this is happening. Really love this series.”
In September 2025, actress Buchanan confirmed she wouldn’t be making a comeback, revealing to Deadline during an interview about her series Chief of War: “As much as that show has been so amazing, especially for my career – being a lead on a U.S. show from little New Zealand was such a whirlwind.
“The writers decided that they wanted to follow Peter and his journey based on what happened at the end of season two. And so, we don’t get to see what happens to Rose, but I think it’s a really exciting time for the show, and who knows, it’s not a goodbye forever.”
Reflecting on the moment she received the news, she shared: “They [the creators] called me not so long after season two, and they were like, we’ve been trying to find a way to bring her in, but we want to do her character justice and not make her a sub-character.
“I totally respected that decision and agreed. I was like, if it makes sense to a story, I’ll do that. If it doesn’t, let’s not force that.”
The Night Agent season 3 is coming to Netflix on February 19
The unassuming market town in a corner of Herefordshire where Gloucestershire meets Wales was the inspiration behind Britain’s first ever travel guide
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Ross-on-Wye – the birthplace of UK tourism
It’s an unassuming market town, nestled in the crook where Herefordshire meets Gloucestershire on the Welsh border.
But I’d never have guessed that Ross-On-Wye is the birthplace of British tourism, and THE holiday destination of the late 18th and early 19th century. Nevertheless, given there is some suggestion we are experiencing a revival of romanticism (think Wuthering Heights and Bridgerton rather than the latest rom-com), it wouldn’t surprise me if there’s a surge of soul-seekers retracing the steps of their forbears across the UK’s most beloved natural spaces.
Stepping onto the streets of the town situated on the northern edge of the Forest of Dean, less than 10 miles from the Welsh border, and six from Gloucestershire, it doesn’t take a lot of imagination to be transported through time and see what inspired the Reverend William Gilpin
In 1782, wrote Britain’s first ever travel guidebook, Observations on the River Wye.
Centered around a boat tour he took down the River Wye from Ross-on-Wye to Chepstow, taking a holiday in this part of the world soon became the fashionable thing to do – especially during the Napoleanoic Wars when taking part in the Grand Tour across continental Europe became impossible. And,
So, what makes this place so special that it was immortalised by the so-called pioneer of the ‘picturesque’ adventure, and continues to draw in holidaymakers 250 years later?
As market towns go, Ross-on-Wye is a fairly well-sized one, with a population around 11,000. However it stil carries an old-world charm, littered with stunning black-and-white timber framed buildings and cute little independent shops you can while away the afternoon browsing.
After working up an appetite, we trekked towards the High Street looking for Truffles Deli, which Visit Herefordshire (www.visitherefordshire.co.uk) had suggested we nab a quick bite from. Unfortunately, the highly-rated eatery proimising delicious sandwiches, soups and cakes is closed on Sundays. Instead, a chalkboard pointed us towards Maggie’s Place, a few doors dpwn.
Cosy and inviting, incense wafted through the interior as we stepped inside, admiring the open beams and brickwork. The cafe – which also welcomes four-legged friends – has only been open a number of months, and the owners have just started introducing a more expansive menu, including sandwiches and cakes.
“We’re trying to be completely locally sourced”, the owner tells me, saying the ham in the mouthwatering sandwich I bite into is from the delicatessen around the corner. He says they are working on bringing in crisps which have been made nearby, and the bread has been locally made too.
And if the taste is anything to go by, lunch is terribly under-priced. I cannot get enough of the garlic spread in my ham sandwich, offering a smooth and creamy edge. I’m secretly grateful that my toddler is only interested in the packet of crips I bought to share.
But the thing that impressed me most about Maggie’s is the coffee. Id’ never describe myself as a coffee snob – after all, my mornings start with instant – but if I’m buying a coffee, I do have certain standards. The owner serves me a Cafe Au Lait – his version of a flat white – and it’s the first coffee I have bought out in at least two years which I haven;’t had to add sugar to. Rich, smooth, and bitter without the burnt, I’ve finished it all too quickly.
After lunch, we take a wonder up the hill towards The Royal Hotel. Now, some 200 years ago, this is where we would be staying before embarking on our boat trip as per Gilpin’s guidebook. And it’s easy to see why – the massive historic inn stands proudly above the town, boasting commanding views of the River Wye set to take your breath away.
Built on the foundations of a 13th century Bishop’s Palace, the Greene King hotel has 42 bedrooms and can host weddings. But for now, we just admire the views before heading around the corner to The Prospect.
Nestled in the pleasure garden at the back of the graveyard of St Mary’s Church, the Prospect was laid out in around 1700 by John Kyrle – also known as the ‘Man of Ross’. From here, you can see the famous horseshoe bend in the Wye and as far west as the Black Mountains.
And almost directly down below is the Hope and Anchor Inn. Traditionally, it was on the river just outside this hotel where your boat tour would depart from. Instead, this is where we headed for our overnight stay.
While it appears to be a cosy, neat and rather unassuming little pub, there is nothing ordinary about what you put in your mouth at the Hope & Anchor. Even the glass of red wine I ordered for myself as a little holiday treat far exceeded expectations. I asked for a Rioja – and instead I experienced a blast of rich, powerful flavours echoing with plum and black fruits with a woody finish (Vina Cerrada Rioja, £5.5 a small glass)
I ordered from the specials menu to start – whipped camembert brulee (£8) served on a bed of fig chutney, toasted sourdough and topped with hazelnut and apple. If you’re a fan of camembert, this is not something to be missed. The tartness of the chutney offset the creamy richness of the cammembert, topped with the satisfying crunch of the hazelnuts and apple sprinkled on top.The chutney leant an earthy flavour, and the whipped texture of the camembert offered a delightful change to both its cold and melted states.
This was followed by the garlic and thyme roasted supreme of chicken (£19.50). Out of the kitchen came a massive, steaming plate of a roast dinner, served with garlic and rosemary roast potatoes, braised red cabbage puree, glazed parsnips, roasted heritage carrots, herb and apricot stuffing, seasonal greens, Yorkshire pudding and red wine gravy. I even had a generous bowle of cauliflowe cheese on the side.
Now, as everyone knows, the true test of a roast dinner is in its potatoes. After all, no one can ever beat your mums, right? Although, the Hope & Anchor certainly have given her a run for her money. Rather than the rubbery roasties we regularly forgive pubs for, these were perfectly crispy on the outside, and steaming and fluffy on the inside, representing the gold standard all roast potatoes aim for.
Partnered with beautifuoly sweet roasted vegetables, offset with the leafy seasonal greens, and one of the biggest Yorkshire puddings I’ve ever seen on a plate, there was no way I was going to finish the meal. The cauliflower cheese also made the perfect addition, not too cheesy, not too creamy, but just perfectly balanced and toasted on top. I couldn’t resist a second helping despite my groaning stomach.
Even the chicken nuggets and chips served with baked beans to my daughter was artistry on a plate. Succulent and juicy chunks of battered chicken served with crips, hand-copped chips.
Most of all I was taken with the hospitality shown – including to my little gremlin who left most of her meal in favour of licking ketchup off a spoon. But then again, she is two, and clearly has no taste.
For breakfast, we wonderd into the neairghbouring Pavillion, a bright, welcome space offering a chic and timeless interior. It was the perfect setting to tuck into my eggs Royale for breakfast – and yes, the yolk was delightfully goey with a delicious crunch from the toasted muffin.
The boat tour itself traditonally set sail from outside the Hope and Anchor Inn.
We then made our way to the river’s edge, determined to follow in Gilpin’s footsteps despite the swollen Wye and saturated paths. I downloaded the Museum Without Walls App https://museumwithoutwalls.uk/?utm_source=visitherefordshire&utm_medium=visit_website_link – Ross-on-Wye’s virtual museum, which uses AR (augmented realITY) to impose pictures showing what a particular location would look like in days gone by. I point the app at the sign just outside the Hope and Anchor, and in an instant I can see the boats preparing to set sail down the Wye towards Chepstow.
With determination, we set off, with every intention to at least reach the first bridge on the river, despite my daughter’s insistence with making friends with a couple of rather tame swans, and an alarming game of chase which took her frightening close to the swollen banks of the fast-flowing river.
Unfortunately, the path simply was too waterlogged to get even that far. Instead, we turned on our heels, considering taking a stop in the popular Riverside Inn in Wye Street as part of our return.
Hopefully next time, my companion will have long enough legs to make the journey on her own feet, too, perhaps when the weather is slightly less boggy.
What you need to know
The Hope & Anchor offers lunch and dinner options as well as overnight stays, while next door The Pavilion restaurant and bar offers breakfast and cocktail masterclasses. There is also The Hut on the river’s edge, serving cakes, hot drinks and ice creams for those on the go. Find out more or book your visit here.
Follow Gilpin’s Wye Boat Tour by downloading the Museum Without Walls App here
Maggie’s Place at 24 High Street is open 10.30am-4.30pm Monday to Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, and from 12.30pm to 4.30pm on Sundays. Find out more here.
The Royal Hotel is open all year round with breakfast served between 7am and 11am Monday to Friday and 8am to 12pm on weekends. You can also eat in the evening until 9pm. It’s also dog-friendly. Find out more here.
Katie put on a plunging display as she shared a cheeky snap with fansCredit: BackGridKatie and Lee announced they were married in a whirlwind Dubai ceremony last monthCredit: wesleeandrews/InstagramKatie Price recently showed off her huge bum tattoo as she reunited with husband Lee in Dubai and introduced him to her best pal Kerry KatonaCredit: wesleeeandrews/Instagram
The 47-year-old shared a cheeky selfie with fans as she posed up in bed before winding down for the night.
Katie, who shocked the world with her whirlwind marriage just weeks ago, showed off her huge boobs.
She is thought to have had her 17th boob job back in 2024 amid her vow to have the biggest boobs in Britain.
The podcast host simply captioned the post: “Bedtime”
But a Labour source said: “We don’t have a board of advisors and he doesn’t work with us.”
A source told The Sun Katie’s family are concerned by Lee’s by his motives given what his ex partners have come out and saidCredit: Instagram/@wesleeandrews
And they worry she is planning to relocate to the country for good.
A source said: “Katie said she had found a property in Dubai and has put down money.
“The contract is signed and she’s forging ahead.
“She is really excited and thinks she is going to have her happy ending with Lee.
“But those close to Katie fear this could be the start of a potential scam.”
They added: “She was only supposed to be in Dubai for two days but she’s still not returned home.
“Katie says she is busy planning her new life with Lee and has splashed the cash on this property – but it’s making her closest friends and family anxious.”
The source claimed her family are concerned by his motives given what his ex partners have come out and said.
One of his exes Alana, who was engaged to Lee, told Katie to “run to the hills” and branded Lee a “liar” and a “narcissist”.
Katie and Lee told fans they got matching tattoos amid family concerns she’s planning to relocate to DubaiCredit: wesleeandrews/InstagramA pal of Katie’s has told The Sun she was only supposed to be in Dubai for two days but hasn’t yet returnedCredit: Instagram/@wesleeeandrews
AS the ugly aftermath of his Instagram tirade against his family rumbles on, Brooklyn Beckham’s one-time pals appear to have become unwitting contestants in a real-life game of The Traitors.
Having already severed ties with his parents, David and Victoria, the A-list nepobaby is now ruthlessly banishing his inner circle, with insiders revealing how “incredibly close” friends have been blindsided by his “bizarre” and brutal behaviour.
Anais Gallagher, the daughter of Oasis star Noel and Meg Mathews, is the the latest famous face to be cut adrift by Brooklyn BeckhamCredit: GettyFormer classmate Anais was stunned to discover she had been blocked onlineCredit: 2017 David M BenettBrooklyn’s one-time pals appear to have become unwitting contestants in a real-life game of The TraitorsCredit: GettyNicola and Brooklyn with their dogsCredit: Instagram
His brother Romeo this weekend unveiled a new tattoo that reads “Family” — leaving no doubt where his loyalties lie.
And as divisions grow between the wannabe chef and his famous family, he and Nicola, 31, appear to be weeding out any “traitorous” friends who have slighted them — or picked the wrong side in the feud.
The Sun can reveal that the latest famous face to be cut adrift is Brooklyn’s former classmate Anais Gallagher, the daughter of Oasis star Noel and Meg Mathews.
Just days after David’s oldest son released a bombshell Instagram statement — in which he vowed never to reconcile with his “controlling” family who only care about “Brand Beckham” — 26-year-old influencer Anais was stunned to discover she had been blocked online.
Having attended sixth form with Brooklyn — at the exclusive, £12,000-per-term Fine Arts College in Belsize Park, North West London — the pair were part of the same close-knit group of friends which also included Rocco.
‘I find this book offensive’
As the children of two of Britain’s most famous couples, they quickly hit it off and became thick as thieves with a flirty on/off relationship.
Our insider said: “They grew incredibly close while they were at school and there was always a lot of flirting between them.
“It was never anything with a label but they were certainly more than friends.
“Victoria, it’s fair to say, wasn’t 100 per cent enthralled with their closeness — in her eyes the Gallaghers don’t have quite the same reputation as the Beckhams.
“Anais and Brooklyn stayed close for quite a while after — she even went to his wedding to Nicola — and Anais assumed they were still on good terms even though their lives have taken different paths.
“She was really blindsided when she realised that he had blocked her.
“Anais is pretty sure it’s because he’s worried she’s going to spill the beans about what went on. But that’s not her style.”
Brooklyn’s feelings towards Anais might have started to change in 2022, shortly after his lavish $3million oceanfront wedding to billionaire’s daughter Nicola.
Anais attended the bash, but that same year she slammed Brooklyn’s photography book, What I See, despite attending its launch event.
His photography attempts were widely mocked — and his pal said: “I genuinely find this book offensive.”
Georgina Chapman and her partner Adrien BrodyCredit: GettyFormer flame Tallia Storm appears to have proved her loyaltyCredit: GettyEx Afton McKeith said: ‘I now feel his parents could have protected him more and considered the impact of the public Brand Beckham’Credit: Louis WoodPrince Harry and Meghan Markle were secretly supporting the couple and even had them round for dinnerCredit: Archewell Sussex/Instagram
It first became clear that Brooklyn was having a social clear-out when none of his former friends or family came to see him renew vows with Nicola last August at her family’s 130-acre estate in New York state.
Brooklyn was close to a string of nepo-babies in London, including Jack and Holly Ramsay.
During his schooldays, he was often snapped skating or hanging out with pals alongside Madonna and Guy Ritchie’s son Rocco — who at the time was dating Kim Turnbull, now the girlfriend of Brooklyn’s sibling Romeo.
Madonna was said to be very pleased about Brooklyn’s influence on her son, but it’s not known if Victoria felt the same way.
Rocco was at Brooklyn and Nicola’s lavish wedding in 2022 — but he was absent when they renewed their vows, raising questions about whether the friends who the Beckhams’ eldest child grew up with supported his relationship.
Brooklyn and Nicola with her parents Nelson and ClaudiaCredit: Instagram/@nicolaannepeltzbeckhamNicola’s eldest brother Matt PeltzCredit: LinkedinNicola’s brother Zach PeltzCredit: Instagram/zachpeltz20Nicola’s brother Greg PeltzCredit: X
An insider explained: “There has clearly been a real shutdown. Brooklyn has no contact with mates from his former life in the UK. It’s like the marriage to Nicola meant he started a whole new life with new people around him.
“It’s sad but people have sensed a shift in his life and priorities.
“And being aligned with someone who is feuding with his parents so publicly is a bad look.”
Brooklyn once spoke highly of Rocco and Jack, saying in 2017: “I’ve changed schools quite a few times but I have some close friends that have known me since I was very young. I have a handful of really close friends, but in particular I’d say Jack Ramsay and Rocco Ritchie.”
And as his time with Rocco came to an end, so did his friendship with DJ Kim Turnbull, who he was once romantically linked to.
Her relationship with his brother Romeo hasn’t helped the situation — and insiders say their dating made it clear to him whose side she was on.
Jackie Apostel and Cruz BeckhamCredit: GettyRomeo Beckham and Kim TurnbullCredit: GettySelena Gomez found herself ruthlessly cut offCredit: GettyNicola had a year-long relationship with Anwar Hadid but the romance is now tinged with ill-feelingCredit: Getty
And Brooklyn’s friendship with Jack is now said to be non-existent. He no longer speaks to Gordon and Tana’s eldest son, who is in the Marines.
Meanwhile, Brooklyn is believed to have declined an invitation to attend Holly’s wedding to Adam Peaty at the end of last year.
Tellingly, his parents and siblings were all in attendance, including brothers Cruz and Romeo.
It’s been more than five years since Brooklyn has been seen with anyone from his old London life.
His Instagram is now full of pictures with just Nicola or her family who appear to have become their closest confidants.
But it is not only his pals who have been cast aside. Up until last year, American actress and pop star Selena Gomez was a permanent fixture in the Peltz-Beckhams’ lives, joking they were all so close it was like a throuple.
Former best mates, include Madonna’s son Rocco RitchieCredit: GettyGigi and Bella Hadid, Anwar’s sistersCredit: GettyBrooklyn was close to a string of nepo-babies in London, including Holly RamsayCredit: hollyramsayy/InstagramJack Ramsay with BrooklynCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Now the trio are no longer speaking — with sources telling The Sun that Selena was left feeling betrayed after best pal Nicola unceremoniously dumped her.
‘Victoria didn’t like me’
Despite numerous photos together over the past few years — including girls’ night sleepovers, and gushing birthday tributes — Brooklyn and Nicola were not in attendance at Selena’s fairytale wedding to Benny Blanco in September.
While it was claimed Nicola and Brooklyn were unable to attend due to a busy work schedule, questions have been raised about why they refused to move things around for someone who was once so close in their lives.
Nicola is certainly no stranger to shutting people out. Before she started dating Brooklyn in 2019, she had a year-long relationship with Anwar Hadid — brother of models Bella and Gigi — but the romance is now tinged with ill-feeling.
Nicola was 22 and Anwar was 17 at the time, and there were rumours that he grew distant from his family during the relationship. Nicola unfollowed the whole family on social media after they split.
Now, as tensions with Brooklyn’s parents reach an all-time high, their social circle certainly seems to be getting smaller and smaller.
He suffered from anxiety. Brooklyn felt as though the world was constantly waiting for him to muck up
Afton McKeith
So who is still on their side? Despite spilling the beans on their time with Brooklyn recently, former flames Tallia Storm and Afton McKeith appear to have proved their loyalty.
Afton, who dated Brooklyn when they were 17, and Tallia, who was linked to him in 2016, were quick to speak out about their experiences — in particular with Victoria — in support of Brooklyn.
Singer Tallia recalled the time the pair were meant to attend a charity gala, which was hosted by Victoria’s close pal, the actress Eva Longoria.
She explained: “I was meant to sit next to Brooklyn.
“We were all super excited — and then he messaged me on the night itself, when I was already inside, saying, ‘My mum won’t let me come, I’m sorry.’ And that was that. Obviously, Victoria didn’t like me or whatever.”
Afton, the daughter of I’m a Celeb star Gillian McKeith, grew up alongside Brooklyn in West London — and gave a scathing review of David and Victoria’s parenting.
If you’ve ever crossed him, he won’t forget — and as the war with his parents drags on, he’s taking note on who has his back and who clearly doesn’t
Our insider
She said: “He suffered from anxiety. Brooklyn felt as though the world was constantly waiting for him to muck up.
“I now feel his parents could have protected him more and considered the impact of the public Brand Beckham.”
At least Brooklyn and Nicola also appear to have two high-profile champions in their camp, with The Sun last year revealing how Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were secretly supporting the couple and even had them round for dinner.
Closer to home, Brooklyn seems to have reserved an olive branch for little sister Harper — the only sibling he has reached out to since the estrangement — after wishing her a happy birthday in July.
Unfortunately for Anais, building bridges may be harder.
Our insider added: “Brooklyn has the memory of an elephant, just like the infamous, blurry image of one he snapped in Kenya for his photography book.
“If you’ve ever crossed him, he won’t forget — and as the war with his parents drags on, he’s taking note on who has his back and who clearly doesn’t.”
Anyone planning a Traitorous move on Brooklyn or Nicola better watch out — they won’t be returning breakfast in the morning.
As Ukrainians face the coldest winter in a decade, trilateral talks take place in Abu Dhabi.
Russia is exploiting Ukraine’s coldest winter yet since it escalated the war four years ago. As negotiations between Ukraine, Russia and the United States continue to stall, will this winter freeze become Ukraine’s breaking point?
This episode was produced by Chloe K. Li, Marcos Bartolomé, and Melanie Marich, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Maya Hamadeh, Tuleen Barakat, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Tamara Khandaker.
Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhemm. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.
Jacob Elordi and Cailee Spaeny star in the biographical drama which fans have a limited time to watch for free
Samantha King Content Editor
01:00, 05 Feb 2026
The film is based on an autobiography penned by Priscilla Presley(Image: A24/BBC)
A period drama viewers have called “absorbing” and “intoxicating” is currently available for free streaming – but fans keen to watch it only have a limited time to do so.
Director Sofia Coppola’s biopic Priscilla was made available on BBC iPlayer nearly a year ago, and there is now just one month left to watch it before it exits the platform.
The film is based on Priscilla Presley’s memoir, Elvis and Me, and charts her life with legendary rock star Elvis Presley behind closed doors, from their initial meeting to their turbulent marriage. Their relationship has long been a hotly-debated topic given Priscilla was just 14 when she met a then-24-year-old Elvis.
It stars Cailee Spaeny as Priscilla, who earned a Best Actress nod at the Golden Globes for the role, while Jacob Elordi portrays Elvis. BBC iPlayer’s synopsis reads: “Fourteen-year-old schoolgirl Priscilla Beaulieu is accustomed to the unsettled life of an army family.
“Invited to a party at Elvis Presley’s house as he carries out his military service in Germany, the shy teenager catches his eye and is gradually drawn into a strange and unhealthy co-dependent life.”
At time of writing, the film – released back in 2023 – enjoys an impressive 84 per cent critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes. Meanwhile audiences awarded it a lower 64 per cent score on average.
One reviewer gushed: “A tender, poignant drama and an excellent continuation of her muted but no less intoxicating style. It shows [Sofia] Coppola at her most understanding as she presents a complex, multi-faceted love story where two lovers drift apart.”
Another viewer said: “This was probably the most visually stunning movie I’ve seen,” as a third shared: “Great movie! Very engrossing – felt like I was right there with her every step of the way. The chemistry between the lead actors was mesmerizing.”
A fourth added: “A really we done biopic about Priscilla. Truly shows how even in a house full of people she was still lonely. Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi work really we as Elvis and Priscilla, especially with the height difference.”
However one more critical viewer said: “Truth be told, this film is little more than the story of a relationship between child and the childish. A rather tedious, and in parts, even a queasy watch, even for the Elvis fan.”
Priscilla is now streaming for free on BBC iPlayer.For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website.
Tony Maudsley has played undertaker George Shuttleworth on Coronation Street since 2020
Joe Crutchley Screen Time Reporter
12:15, 04 Feb 2026Updated 12:16, 04 Feb 2026
Coronation Street’s Tony Maudlsey gives rare look at family life as fans left swooning (Image: Karwai Tang/WireImage)
Coronation Street’s Tony Maudsley has delighted fans after giving them a rare look into his family life.
Tony joined the ITV soap in 2020 as George Shuttleworth, the son of the late undertaker Archie (Roy Hudd). Since then, he’s become a firm favourite with viewers.
In 2022, George’s family grew with the arrival of his sister Glenda, portrayed by Jodie Prenger, on the soap. The former cruise ship entertainer quickly won over viewers with her close bond with her doting brother.
He also played a part in several big storylines – including his relationships with Eileen Grimshaw (Sue Cleaver) – who left the soap last year – and his current romance with Christina Boyd (Amy Robbins).
As well as Corrie, Tony has appeared in Queer As Folk, Emmerdale and even the Harry Potter franchise in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. He also starred in the hit ITV sitcom Benidorm playing hairdresser Kenneth Du Beke from 2011 to 2018.
The telly star is also no stranger to keeping his loyal legion of 77k Instagram followers updated on his everyday life. And this week, he had his co-stars and fans swooning after an adorable family update.
Giving fans a rare look at his private life, Tony uploaded several photos of his adorable dog after their groom. He captioned the post: “Took Bosie to a new groomers today in Worsley Village and they did a great job! They even cleaned his teeth (well the few he’s got left!)”
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**For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website**
He added: “New business so give them a try if you’re local! Idyllic setting so perfect for a lovely walk, post-pamper!! Oh by the way that chunk of fur out of his leg wasn’t done by the groomer he had blood tests last week so that was down to the vet!”
Unsurprisingly, his co-stars and were left swooning by the post with Sally Carman writing: “Blow OUT,” along with a love heart eyes emoji. Someone else gushed: “Beautiful boy! Looking fab Bosie.” A third penned: “Omg he is so cute! That face!” Another said: “What a cutie!!!”
Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX
Finding a new home on the platform, it quickly surged up the charts of most watched titles among UK subscribers. However, it looks like the deal to bring the show over was only good for a year, as it is set to be removed a day before its 12 month anniversary.
The show, based on the much-loved Xbox-exclusive game franchise, follows super soldier Master Chief John-117 and his team of Spartans as they battle against the alien threat known as the Covenant.
Its first season scored a respectable 70% on Rotten Tomatoes, while the second series upped the ante with an impressive 90% rating. Pablo Schreiber, known for roles in Orange is the New Black, Den of Thieves and The Wire, took on the role of Master Chief.
Despite its eventual cancellation by Paramount, many viewers have expressed their admiration for the show. This includes many acknowledging the challenge of successfully adapting such a beloved series.
One fan, sharing their opinion online, posted: “The Halo show on Paramount+ is everything I could have hoped for and more. As a fan of the Halo series, I was thrilled by how they brought the universe to life.
“The visuals are stunning, capturing the gritty yet futuristic essence of the franchise. The action sequences are intense and cinematic, especially the battles with the Covenant, which felt ripped straight out of the games.”
Another added: “Epic! If you want action, violence and non stop battles, this is for you. Amazing cinematography. Brought to screen successfully, I’d say.”
They continued: “Heaps of effort and money went into producing this, obviously. Visually stunning. Whole cast excels in character very convincingly. If you are a Halo fan, this will keep you glued to the screen. Lots of twists and dilemmas to keep it gripping and interesting.”
However, its not just dedicated fans of the game series that have been able to enjoy the show. As one person claimed: “Production quality is outstanding, on par with Star Wars or Star Trek. I found the first season intelligent, enjoyable to watch and honestly, very addictive.”
While someone else suggested: “Pure fun, best sci fi since Expanse and The Mandalorian.” And one person commented: “Excellent! They have filmed and written the storyline perfectly and it has me hooked wanting more. Binge watched whole of season 1 in two days.”
Halo is streaming on Netflix until February 28 and on Paramount Plus.
After living in London for three years, I moved to a seaside town I’d only visited once before
I don’t regret my decision(Image: MILLIE BULL)
Following months confined in lockdown with rowdy neighbours and eye-watering rent costs, I chose to swap London permanently for the coast. After roughly three years in the capital, I’d had enough of the noise, chaos and grime that greeted me virtually every day.
Prior to lockdown, the metropolis pulsed with energy. Eateries were heaving, pubs packed with punters, and my neighbourhood coffee spots teemed with commuters each morning.
The capital offered the ideal setting for late nights, sampling exotic dishes and catching up with mates.
Yet when lockdown struck, everything shifted. Like countless others, I became disenchanted with city life.
What had been a vibrant urban centre suddenly felt lifeless, and we found ourselves trapped indoors all day to dodge COVID-19, reports the Express.
Seeing friends or relatives became impossible, and apart from daily supermarket runs and strolls to the nearby park, venturing out was forbidden.
Lockdown prompted many to reassess what mattered most. While I’d previously relished pub crawls and all-nighters, I suddenly yearned for outdoor space, stunning seaside views and crisp air – three elements London sorely lacked.
Even when cafés and restaurants began reopening for takeaways, London’s allure remained elusive for me, prompting a radical choice: I relocated to a coastal town I’d only visited once before. Renting in London remains absurdly pricey, but when I swapped my one-bedroom flat in South East London for a property twice the size in the charming coastal town of Deal in Kent, I hadn’t anticipated pocketing an extra £275 each month.
And the savings didn’t stop there. I’m now situated near an Aldi, where costs are considerably cheaper than the small Sainsbury’s Local that sat at the end of my street in London.
I’d also escaped a draughty, detached Victorian property that had been badly split into flats, meaning my energy bills dropped surprisingly.
While I still pop into London occasionally to catch up with friends and go to events, there are three key reasons I’d never return to the capital:.
1. The cost
It can occasionally feel like simply breathing costs 10p per minute in London. Cash appeared to vanish from my bank account when I resided there, which made saving especially difficult.
Although I could have reined in spending on takeaway coffees, takeaways and dining out, that’s very much part and parcel of the London way of life. Heading out for a couple of drinks with friends could easily become a £100 evening once you factor in travel expenses.
I adored having countless restaurants on my doorstep in London; I’d never sampled Eritrean food before relocating there, for instance, but the variety was occasionally overwhelming. I found myself wanting to sample everything, which wasn’t always feasible when you had rent and bills to cover.
Something many don’t clock about London life is the expense of getting around. Before lockdown, I was fortunate to live relatively near my workplace, yet the daily commute still set me back roughly £10 – money that quickly mounted up.
These days, I’m mostly based at home, with the odd trip into the office. While local transport doesn’t match TfL’s standards, I barely use it except for medical appointments.
I’m now just minutes away from Deal’s shops, cafes and eateries on foot, which has slashed my spending considerably.
2. The noise
The sheer volume of London didn’t hit me until I’d left. That relentless background din becomes your new normal within days of arriving.
When I left, I was genuinely shocked by the silence. I’d grown used to the overground rattling past my back garden, distant sirens wailing, and the neighbours’ telly and chatter filtering through the walls.
Town centre living still brings occasional noise disturbance, but nothing like London’s levels. My biggest gripe now is aggressive seagulls screeching on the roof at dawn during the summer months.
3. The scenery
For me, coastal views are unbeatable. Growing up along Dorset’s shoreline means spotting that brilliant blue line on the horizon just feels right.
Don’t get me wrong, London boasts some stunning vistas. Perching atop Blythe Hill Fields in South London, gazing down at the park and some of the capital’s most recognisable buildings was among my favourite pastimes when I called it home.
Yet, after several years, I found myself yearning for seaside panoramas. I longed for the shore, the ocean and crisp air.
Regardless of how many green spaces I explored in London, the atmosphere always seemed dense and polluted.
Everyone warned I’d regret my choice to relocate to the coastline, but to this day, it ranks among the best decisions I’ve ever made. Don’t get me wrong, there are several drawbacks to seaside living; we’re inundated with holidaymakers during summer, there are fewer amenities, and everyone I know lives much further away, but I’d embrace all of that rather than residing in London.
WHEN Katie Price got married to Lee Andrews at breakneck speed, just days after they began dating, her loyal fans were left bewildered.
For her family, the reaction has been even more stark. Here, insiders tell us how Pricey’s son Junior responded to the Dubai nuptials – and why her closest ally, sister Sophie, has been left reeling as concern for the mother- of-five reaches an all-time high.
Junior Andre has been left reeling after his mum’s latest moveCredit: ITVKatie married Lee Andrews just days after meeting him in DubaiCredit: BackGrid
Hours after revealing her extravagant engagement, The Sun told how Katie and Lee had in fact got hitched with none of her family there. Her fourth marriage took place less than a week after she had met Lee.
It was an unusually quiet ceremony for the former glamour model . An officiator was seen in front of the pair reading from a script as Katie, who wore a £12 dress from Shein, said her vows.
She gushed about how happy she was, telling fans: “All I can say is ‘fatale’, and this was a wedding at First Sight.”
Yet celebratory messages from her nearest and dearest have not been forthcoming, despite Price, 47, returning to the UK earlier this week without Lee, 43, who has since been accused of being a ‘swindler’.
There’s only so much Katie’s kids can take. It is really not fair.
Insider
One source said: “It’s just another day on Planet Katie, and everyone has to deal with the consequences.
“She will always have a close bond with her children, but there’s only so much they can take. It is really not fair.”
Her son Junior, 20, has refrained from posting to his half a million Instagram followers in the days following the whirlwind wedding – which is not legally binding.
And it is not only Junior’s fans who have got the silent treatment from the singer.
Rather tellingly, we have been told that the rapper, who is “very close” to dad Peter and stepmum Dr Emily, has not contacted his mother to offer his congratulations on her marriage to Andrews.
A source said: “Junior is used to Katie’s increasingly erratic behaviour, but even this took him by surprise.
“He is so fed up with his mum’s constant dramas. He wants no part in it. He’s hardly going to send a congratulations message about a bloke he hasn’t even met.”
But while Junior is more resilient, sister Princess, 18, has given clues to her hurt feelings, taking to TikTok in the days following her mum’s wedding ceremony to post two emotional videos on the social media platform, including one featuring a tearful girl.
Sophie is understandably horrified by it all. It’s been incredibly draining for her. The sisters are incredibly close so it was very hard for Sophie not to know what was going on.
Insider
The writing on top of the clip reads: “I feel everything very deeply” with an accompanying voiceover on top of the clip that says: “I’m such an incredibly, stupidly, sensitive person that everything that happens to me I feel everything really intensely.”
Another featured a teen girl getting into bed and wiping tears from her eyes as she lets out a sigh.
The writing on top reads: “When the smallest thing upsets me, and now I have to be non-verbal and easily irritated for hours until I can let it go”.
Insiders say that despite the cryptic posts it is unlikely that Princess, who remains close to her mother, will publicly condemn her. But a pal of the star confided: “It is so selfish to create all this drama just before Princess is about to launch series two of The Princess Diaries. This should be her turn in the spotlight. Not her mums.”
In recent years as Katie’s fame has dwindled, she has become increasingly reliant on her younger half-sister Sophie, 36, who has devoted a large part of her life to looking after her.
Despite managing the wayward reality star, organising much of her chaotic life, and co-hosting a podcast together, Sophie was not invited to Katie’s wedding.
Fans thought Sophie looked very upset when she announced there would be no podcastSophie has been a huge support to Katie over the yearsCredit: RexSophie and Katie with their mum, Amy – who is said to be ‘beside herself with worry’Credit: Instagram
An insider said: “Sophie is understandably horrified by it all. It’s been incredibly draining for her. The sisters are incredibly close so it was very hard for Sophie not to know what was going on.
“They were due to record a podcast like normal this week, but at the last minute, they decided not to go ahead.
Their mum is utterly beside herself with worry.
“Sophie felt the need to say sorry to her fans, while Katie kept silent. It is quite typical of their relationship that Sophie is the one picking up the slack, and she’s honestly struggling with it at the moment. It has caused tension between the siblings, with Sophie just desperate for Katie to be ok.
“Their mum is utterly beside herself with worry – they have all been through so much with Katie, but thought the worst was over in recent years.
“They don’t believe Lee is the man he said he was and are just waiting for Katie to click. It was a huge relief when he did a U-turn on coming to the UK. Sophie was not ready to meet him and deal with all that.”
Sophie made her feelings very clear on the situation today as she shared a picture of the countryside and wrote: “This and never stepping foot in Dubai.”
Last night, Sophie took to social media to explain what was happening to the podcast.
Looking exhausted, she said: “Hi guys, how are you all? I know you’ve all been chomping at the bit to find out what has been going on. All our DMs have been going off,” she began in her video address.
Junior and Princess have not publicly spoken out about the weddingCredit: PAKatie was seen back in the UK this week – with no husband in sightCredit: SplashLee’s life has come into question since they married
“Let’s just say, it’s been one hell of a week. We have done over a 100 episodes of the podcast, which sounds absolutely nuts when it’s just me and Kate doing our b*s chat.
“We will be back next week as normal, and we will be able to update you guys on what’s been going on. It will be business as usual.”
Such was the emotion on display that one commentator posted: “’You are a good sister. Hope you’re ok, Sophie, you look like you’re holding back tears”
Sophie has always been outspoken about Katie’s relationships, while trying to be as supportive as possible.
Just a couple of weeks ago, she expressed her horror when Katie announced she was looking for a Richard Gere type.
She retorted: “Absolutely not, you need a break, you need time to yourself’.”
Katie completely ignored her, and when she announced her engagement, she gushed about finding her ‘real life Richard Gere’. The film is, of course, about a wealthy gentleman who sweeps a prostitute off her feet.
The sisters – who have an 11-year age gap- have talked in the past about being “like chalk and cheese”.
Sophie was just six years old when her big sister found fame, meaning that she doesn’t remember a time when Katie wasn’t in the spotlight.
However, Katie’s fame made her a target at school – and she was bullied by cruel classmates.
She recalled: “It was just girls saying nasty things, when you’re a teenager… You know what girls can be like.”
Yet a beautiful relationship blossomed, with the sisters becoming firm friends and podcast favourites.
But after the latest cruel snub, it might be a while before fans get a new episode of the podcast.
Katie has been saying she is missing her new manCredit: BACKGRID / INSTAGRAM
A bowl of leftover pap saved Audu Gimba* from being abducted, but his wife, children, and relatives were not as fortunate.
On Jan. 18, Audu’s family found their way to the Cherubim & Seraphim (C&S) Movement Church, Number 2, Kurmin Wali, Kaduna State, northwestern Nigeria, like they do every Sunday morning. Around 10:30 a.m., warning cries interrupted their service.
Terrorists had surrounded Kurmin Wali from all angles, unleashing their horrors on the worshippers of C & S 1 and 2 and the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) Church in the same community. They would later make away with 177 people in total, according to Audu and some media reports.
“We tried to run out but discovered we were surrounded. Even if you run, they chase you down,” he recalled the horrors of that morning. He said the terrorists were also collecting phones and cash from the victims. Before they got to him, he threw his phone into the bushes, planning to retrieve it after he escaped.
The terrorists divided the captives into batches, with Audu and four others placed at the front.
“As we were walking, I saw one of my brothers being beaten by the terrorists. They demanded that he get them food from his house. He told them he only had leftover pap, and when he brought it to them, their attention shifted to it, including the terrorists holding us hostage. When I noticed that, I used that opportunity to run and hide, but the rest were taken into the forest,” he told HumAngle.
From his hiding spot, Audu watched as the terrorists brought out the remaining church members who had been hiding, made them lie on the ground, and then herded them into the forest.
“The terrorists were holding guns, which were similar to the ones soldiers use,” he told HumAngle. “All of them had weapons. They came out through three angles; even if you run, you will run into them from all angles.” Although no one was shot, the presence of the firearms and the terrorists’ known ruthlessness were enough to force the villagers into submission. They wore no masks, and the survivors who spoke to HumAngle said they did not recognise them as familiar faces.
They came in through the forest and returned through the same path, this time with unwilling villagers, leaving behind a trail of fear and heartbreak.
Illustration: Akila Jibrin/HumAngle
“My in-laws and two other women were heavily pregnant. My second wife and another in-law had daughters under two years old. My daughter was one year and two months old, and my three sons and their wives were all taken away into the forest. The children are not even old enough to walk on their own,” his voice cracked as he named his losses.
He admitted that revisiting the events of that day makes him want to break down and cry.
It wasn’t just his losses, he said, but also the reaction of the military, those meant to protect them, that further pushed him into despair.
“The day the soldiers arrived, we told them the path they followed. When one of my brothers insisted on showing them the way, one of the soldiers even threatened to slap him. I don’t think any soldiers walked for 10 minutes between the village and the forest. They just stood there watching us,” he lamented.
Security officials first dismissed the attack as a falsehood spread to cause chaos, only to later confirm it. The Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, said the reason for the denial was “to confirm details first before making any statements”.
“We need help,” Audu cried. “We don’t have anything to do unless the government helps us. What can I possibly do to help them come out? It’s just my wife and me; they have taken everyone else away.”
A recurring problem
For the people of Kurmin Wali, this is not the first of such attacks. Eight days earlier, on Jan. 11, another mass abduction of about 21 people occurred. The people were released four days later, only after a ransom of ₦2.6 million was paid, according to another villager, Moses Noma*.
Attacks on the village remain largely underreported. Online searches for Kurmin Wali mostly return reports of the most recent abduction, belatedly drawing attention to yet another community Nigeria has failed to protect.
Moses escaped the latest attack, but his family had been directly affected by the previous one. The incident occurred at night.
“They entered my house and my brother’s house,” he recounted. “Twelve people from my family were kidnapped. I barely escaped with my wife. When I returned, I heard my mum crying. She had been badly beaten with metal and was injured. I picked her up along with my injured uncle and took them to the hospital.”
When Moses arrived, his mother was in a pool of her blood. He thinks the kidnappers must have assumed she died due to how badly she was bleeding. Even when he heard her cries, he hid until he was sure the terrorists had gone before he went to her side. Fortunately, her injuries were treatable, and she was able to return to her family.
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Usually, when attacks like this occur, residents say they report them to military personnel stationed along nearby roads. However, soldiers often arrive late, if at all, and little is done until kidnappers demand ransom and eventually release victims on their own. In some cases, soldiers show up a day after the attack, claiming they did not receive permission to respond earlier, residents said.
“Even as we speak, we are currently patrolling the streets because no security forces have been dispatched,” the 30-year-old man explained a week after the attack, despite the governor’s visit four days earlier.
According to Moses, the village has been under constant threats and attacks for about three years. “Even in February last year, they came and kidnapped people,” he noted.
After such attacks, some residents flee to other parts of Kaduna, such as Marraraban Kajuru, Kasuwan Magani, and neighbouring towns, and return after some time. Moses, like others, usually finds his way back home, but the terror never stops.
Government intervention?
James Kura* says it was the stars that guided him home that night.
“We were in church. We stationed some people outside to ensure security. When they saw them coming, they raised an alarm. We ran out, but soon discovered they had circled us. They put us together and collected all our money and phones in front of the church. Then they started to march us into the forest,” he narrated.
Illustration: Akila Jibrin/HumAngle
At one point, the terrorists stopped and started to beat them heavily with sticks before continuing with the march. James was injured during the assault.
They later arrived at Sabon Gida, a nearby village that has been deserted due to the constant terror attacks, one of the many ghost communities in Kaduna State. Some captives managed to escape there. But it was much later that James found the chance.
“I noticed I was lagging behind and the kidnappers were distracted, so I used that opportunity to hide somewhere in the bushes until they left. I started to walk into the forest and eventually found my way home by following the stars,” he recalled. James got home around 9 p.m. that night.
Despite his escape, many of his relatives and friends remain in captivity.
James and ten other escapees were taken to Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital in Kaduna town on Jan. 23, following the governor’s visit. Before then, James had tried to treat his injuries at a chemist’s shop in the village.
The hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Abdulqadir Musa, said the victims would receive maximum care and attention and would “leave the hospital smiling”.
Even so, this was not the first time James had been kidnapped. In 2021, he was abducted from his home and held captive for days, and the horrors of that experience fueled his determination to escape repeating it.
“They demanded a ransom of ₦1 million then, and they demanded other items like phones, which amounted to almost ₦200,000 extra,” he recalled.
Although the current ransom demand has not been formally communicated, James told HumAngle that the kidnappers are demanding 17 motorcycles, which they claimed were left behind after the attack. Residents say only three were found, some of them already stripped of parts such as headlights.
A separate report corroborates James’ account, adding that ₦250 million and three more motorcycles, bringing the total to 20, have been demanded by the terrorists.
For a community already struggling to survive, residents say such demands are difficult to meet. The Kaduna State government has said it will work with security operatives to ensure the victims are rescued unhurt.
“We have been collaborating with the relevant security agencies, both the military, the DSS, the police, and the Office of National Security Adviser, to ensure the quick return and recovery of our people that were abducted in this very important community,’’ Uba Sani said during his visit to Kurmin Wali.
The fear of the future
Survivors like James are worried and concerned about their future security, the fate of their loved ones who are still in captivity, and the ransoms they may be forced to pay.
Nigeria has criminalised ransom payments, with violators facing at least 15 years in prison. Yet kidnapping continues to surge nationwide, with few successful rescue operations, leaving families with little choice.
On social media, people, including former top government officials, have crowdfunded for ransom. About ₦2.23 trillion in ransom payments was made between May 2023 and April 2024 in Nigeria, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
“When the governor visited, he promised he would bring us security. The government is taking care of our hospital bills and feeding. But in addition to that, the most important thing we need now is financial support because we know we would have to pay ransom,” he added.
As for tightened security in the village, Audu said some military officials were stationed in front of their church during their morning service on Jan. 25. However, they are unaware of any action or movement to retrieve their loved ones, whose situation remains unknown.
*Names marked with an asterisk are pseudonyms we’ve used to protect the identities of those interviewed.
Weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy.
Four decommissioned U.S. Navy Avenger class mine countermeasures ships have left Bahrain on what may be their final voyage aboard a larger heavy lift vessel. Avengers had been forward-deployed to the Middle Eastern nation for years, where critical mine countermeasures duties have now passed to Independence class Littoral Combat Ships (LCS).
The public affairs office for U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) and U.S. 5th Fleet first released pictures of the M/V Seaway Hawk, a contracted semi-submersible heavy lift vessel, carrying the former Avenger class ships USS Devastator, USS Dextrous, USS Gladiator, and USS Sentry last Friday. The Navy released more images and a brief statement yesterday. The date stamps on the pictures show the Avengers were physically loaded onto the Seaway Hawk in Bahrain on January 9.
The M/V Seaway Hawk is seen here partially submerged as a decommissioned Avenger class mine countermeasures ship is moved into position for loading on January 9, 2025. USNM/V Seaway Hawk seen underway with the four decommissioned Avenger class ships onboard on January 20, 2025. USN
The Navy acquired 14 Avenger class ships between 1987 and 1994. Four of them are still in service, all of which are forward-deployed in Japan, but are also slated for decommissioning in the coming years.
“Decommissioned Avenger class Mine Countermeasures ships were safely moved as part of ongoing U.S. Navy force transition efforts in the region,” per the statement from NAVCENT. “The movement evolution required detailed planning, coordination, and disciplined execution to ensure the safe transport of the decommissioned MCM’s.”
“Mission partners worked together to maintain operational standards, prioritize safety, and ensure accountability throughout each phase of the evolution,” the statement adds. “These efforts support continued fleet readiness and responsible transition of legacy platforms, while sustaining operational momentum and mission effectiveness across the maritime domain.”
Another look at the fully loaded M/V Seaway Hawk as seen from the side. USN
A Navy contracting notice last year said the four decommissioned Avengers would head from Bahrain to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Sealift, Inc. subsequently received a contract valued at approximately $7 million for work through February of this year, according to USNI News. In addition, the Navy had said it previously intended to scrap the USS Devastator, USS Dextrous, USS Gladiator, and USS Sentry following their decommissioning. If the ships are due to be broken down, why the decision was made to return them to the United States first is unclear.
A section of the Navy’s Report to Congress on the Annual Long-Range Plan for Construction of Naval Vessels for Fiscal Year 2025, released in 2024, discussing the expected fate of a number of ships post-decommissioning. The four Avengers that had been forward-deployed in Bahrain are all listed as being slated for dismantlement. USN
The USS Devastator was the last of the Avenger class ships in Bahrain to be decommissioned, which was marked by a ceremony last September.
“For more than three decades, USS Devastator, USS Dextrous, USS Gladiator and USS Sentry have been critical to maritime missions around the globe – defending the freedom of navigation, promoting stability and deterring and defeating efforts by adversaries to harm the innocent,” Navy Vice Adm. George Wikoff, then commander of NAVCENT and 5th Fleet, said at that time. “To all, past and present, who have served on [these ships], thank you for standing the watch, being true trailblazers in the fleet and maintaining a constant presence in our area of operations… what a proud legacy you leave in your wake.”
The 224-foot-long and 1,312-ton-displacement Avengers are designed to both hunt for and neutralize moored naval mines, as well as those sitting on the sea floor.
A stock picture of an Avenger class ship during training. USN
Each of the ships is equipped with a mine-hunting sonar and surface search radar. Each Avenger can deploy towed minesweeping gear that can mimic the acoustic and magnetic signatures of warships, causing certain types of mines to detonate prematurely. They also have remotely-operated underwater vehicles capable of cutting mooring lines and otherwise interacting with underwater objects to help with rendering mines safe, as well as finding and categorizing them in the first place.
The crew of the Avenger class mine countermeasures ship USS Chief deploy a remotely operated vehicle during an exercise in the Pacific. USN
The ships themselves have fiberglass-coated wooden hulls to reduce their own vulnerability, particularly to mines that detect targets by their magnetic signature.
Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS) Video
The Navy only fielded its first two operational mine countermeasures modules, installed on the Independence class LCSs USS Santa Barbara and USS Canberra, last year. Canberraarrived in Bahrain in May 2025. At that time, Santa Barbara, as well as the Independence class USS Tulsa and another ship to be named, were slated to comprise the inaugural rotational deployment of mine countermeasures-configured LCSs in the region. The USS Canberra notably sailed together with the M/V Seaway Hawk for a time after it departed Bahrain with the decommissioned Avengers.
The Independence class LCS USS Canberra, in front, sails together with the M/V Seaway Hawk on January 20, 2025. USN
Questions and criticism about the suitability of metal-hulled LCSs to take on the mine countermeasures mission have come up in the past. Both subclasses of LCS are also much larger than the Avenger class design, which could impose limits on how close they can get to mined or potentially mined areas. LCSs are better able to defend themselves against other threats than the Avengers, but they still have relatively limited firepower, which has been a separate source of criticism for years now. There would still be a significant need for tertiary support to protect LCSs during mine-clearing operations, which are slow and complex, and carry significant risks, even in benign environments.
The continued critical importance of naval mine-clearing capacity in the Middle East is underscored now by a new surge in geopolitical friction between the United States and Iran. The regime in Iran regularly threatens to blockade the highly strategic Strait of Hormuz in response to foreign attacks, especially ones that could present an existential danger to the regime in Tehran. The Strait of Hormuz links the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea, and is a huge chokepoint for oil and natural gas exports from the Middle East to other countries globally. Naval mining would be central to any blockade, but Iran’s capacity and willingness to launch such an operation, which would have worldwide ramifications, is an open question. TWZ previously explored this issue in depth following the start of the 12 Day War between Iran and Israel last year.
If the Navy has to launch its own mine-clearing operations in and around the Persian Gulf for any reason going forward, LCSs will be front and center now that the Avenger class ships have left the region.
Doris, who has made 23 Six Nations appearances, will lead Ireland out against a France side shorn of some high-profile players.
While fit-again captain Antoine Dupont is back, head coach Fabien Galthie opted not to select France’s all-time top try-scorer Damian Penaud, veteran centre Gael Fickou and back row Gregory Alldritt, who skippered the side in Dupont’s absence last year.
Having faced Alldritt on several occasions for both club and country, Doris admits he was surprised by the 28-year-old’s omission.
“If you look at the Top 14 week in, week out, there’s so many quality players at the top level, they’ve got an abundance of talent to choose from,” added Doris.
I was surprised Alldritt wasn’t in it. I obviously faced him and La Rochelle a few weeks ago. I rate him very highly but they’ve got quality across the back row and I’m sure [Anthony] Jelonch will represent the eight shirt very well.
“It’s always a big threat playing against France, especially away from home at a hostile place like Stade de France, so looking forward to it.”
